Denver Nuggets star Wilson Chandler accepts risk in his China move during the NBA Lockout
Wilson Chandler has acknowledged the risk involved in his decision to play in the Chinese league next season. The Denver Nuggets man agreed a deal with Chinese team Zhejiang Guangsha, also known as the Lions, to represent them
in the upcoming Chinese basketball season.
Chandler’s move came as a surprise to many people for many different reasons. Although Chandler says himself that he isn’t too familiar with the labour negotiations going on between the National Basketball Players Association and
the NBA owners, his decision suggests that he doesn’t believe there would be an NBA season 2011-2012.
The Chinese Basketball Association ruled in light of the lockout, and the expected influx of NBA players, that players who sign for a Chinese side would not be allowed to get out of their contracts if the NBA lockout ends.
Chandler therefore accepts that he is potentially going to miss out on a year of NBA basketball. The player though made the decision so that he plays at least some basketball as opposed to none if the NBA season is lost.
"Maybe I'll lose out," Chandler said. "But I think it can be a great experience. I haven't been in any [labour negotiation] meetings. I can't call it. I'm just taking a risk, at the end of the day."
Chandler’s acquisition does not represent the first foray into the NBA for the Lions. In July, they hired former NBA coach Jim Cleamons. Cleamons is a respected name in the NBA fraternity best known for his time as assistant to
the legendary head coach Phil Jackson at the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
Wilson revealed in the interview that the presence of such a highly regarded figure was a major factor in his decision and he was already looking forward to working with the esteemed coach and grow as a player.
"If there's a lockout and we lose the season, I'll be over there playing, playing for Coach Cleamons," Chandler said. "I never had a close relationship with one of my coaches before. Maybe I can learn how to be a leader."
Chandler will join up with the Lions next week as he boards a flight to China on September 10. He did have a qualifying offer on the table from the Denver Nuggets but the lockout tilted him in the direction of China.
Chandler only recently joined the Nuggets roster and only had good words for the team he is departing from and expressed a desire to return to the fold after his adventure in China.
“I like the city, I like the team. Great young team. Coach [George] Karl is a great coach. I like the management. Hopefully I'm there."
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